Cleaning the kitty litter box is a nasty chore. No one enjoys sifting through the sandy clumps to make it usable a few more days. Then comes the really fun part of emptying the old litter, cleaning the box, and adding a new liner with fresh litter.
An added disincentive is the potential risk of contracting toxoplasmosis, an airborne virus that can be caught from breathing kitty litter germs. Pregnant women especially should avoid this chore until their babies have arrived.
If you are the lucky person chosen for completing this task, there are a few steps that can make it easier.
1. Assemble supplies first. These include a trash bag for the used litter, a fresh bag of new litter, a clean liner, a hose and cloth for washing the litter box, and a respiratory mask and gloves for you. Put the mask over your nose and mouth to avoid breathing the fine dust that will fill the air almost invisibly when you begin moving it around. Slip into gloves to protect your hands from contamination.
2. Open the trash bag and remove the lid from the kitty litter. Gather the box liner together and lift it out of the box, placing it into the trash bag. If the box doesn't have a liner, attach the open mouth of the bag to the front entrance of the litter box. Lift the back part of the box to tip the front into the bag, spilling the used litter into it. Keep your face averted during this step, even if you are wearing a mask. Keep tipping the front of the box into the bag until it is empty.
3. Sweep up spilled litter as well as the area surrounding the litter box. Place all debris into the trash bag, knot it, and take it to the garbage can. Set the kitty litter box outdoors in good weather or near a basement drain in cold weather. Use a hose to rinse it inside and out. Allow to air dry for an hour or two.
4. Put down fresh newspaper where the litter box will sit. Place the dry litter box on the paper. Add a litter liner (you can buy them from pet supply or grocery stores). Adjust it so the ends can be lifted neatly for cleaning next time. Fill the box about half-way full with fresh litter. Replace the top of the litter box and latch if needed.
5. Clean the box every week or so, depending on how often your cat uses it. Outdoor pets may prefer going outside to using the litter box. If you have more than one cat, you may have to change the litter more frequently. Keep your dog away from the litter, as canines enjoy investigating this unsavory facility.
You can decide whether to use clumping or non-clumping litter, probably based on whether you plan to sift the material in lieu of changing it each time. You also can choose between scented and unscented litter brands. Keep up with the litter cleaning, because if you don't, the kitty may decide to find another bathroom, possibly inside the house.
